Everton v Hull City - Follow LIVE text commentary

07 March 2010 04:00

One of Hull City's five wins this season came in a tense 3-2 victory over Everton in November at the KC Stadium but the Toffees side they will face this time around at Goodison will be a different proposition altogether.
Back then the Merseyside outfit were in the midst of a dreadful run of just one win in 12 games, but David Moyes' side has now tasted victory in six of their last nine league matches, including superb wins over Manchester United and Chelsea in their last two at Goodison Park.
By contrast the Tigers have picked up all three points in only one of their last 13 Premier League fixtures and Thursday marked exactly a year since their last away win in the competition at Fulham.
However, Phil Brown could be boosted by the potential return of Jimmy Bullard to action after three months on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
Without wishing to overplay the possibility of an appearance by the talismanic playmaker on Sunday, Brown said in the build-up to the match: "Jimmy is fine, no complaints, but we'll have to see how he is for the rest of the week.
"I'm not making any promises that he's going to start on Sunday. But if he's somewhere near, I'm sure he'll be kicking my door down to make sure he's involved."
Hull centre-half Anthony Gardner is, however, ruled out for the game as is Ian Ashbee with a long-standing injury, while Geovanni and Dean Marney are doubtful and Craig Fagan is suspended.
Everton have no fresh injury concerns with Louis Saha, Philippe Senderos and Marouane Fellaini still out, while Phil Jagielka could be in line for a first league start this season.
Key midfielder Tim Cahill is also set to return to action following his calf injury.